Spike detection in Electroencephalogram (EEG) using Arduino UNO

The electroencephalogram (EEG) is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain from the scalp. The recorded waveforms reflect the cortical electrical activity. EEG activity is very small, measured in microvolts (μV). EEG is a non-invasive method to record electrical activity of the brain. Most commonly it is used to identify the type and location of the abnormal activity in the brain during a seizure. It is also used to analyze sleep disorders such as encephalitis and brain dead. The aim of this design aspect is to study and capture the signals generated in the brain to diagnose spikes which are used to identify epilepsy. Here we analyze the signals produced from the brain by signal conditioning and amplifying so that these signals can be displayed on a monitor which gives a vivid picture of the artifact in the EEG signal. These amplified signals are parallel applied to the Arduino which on detection of spike produces an output signal which can be viewed using an LED. Here we use three copper surface electrodes two placed on the neck and the other on ear which is used as a reference and thus we acquire the data from these electrodes.